Battalions (Unaccompanied Tours)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware that approximately 5 per cent. of a battalion's strength applies for early release from the Army following unaccompanied postings; and what steps he is taking to reduce this loss of manpower.

In 10 battalions who returned from unaccompanied tours in the last financial year an average of 2.5 per cent. of the men applied for discharge for reasons attributable to the tour. This is less than the overall Army figure. Unaccompanied service is kept to the minimum consistent with demands placed upon the Army and accompanied tours are arranged wherever possible.